Classic Banjo syllabus

[Mike Moss]

I just got the Classic Banjo syllabus from the VCM... I just might try my luck with the examinations! I think it's a great idea to breathe new life into CB and it's surprising this hasn't been done in 100 years.

I've been looking through the exam pieces and it's nice to see there is more modern stuff in there. I've got both of Alan Middleton's books but I can't find some of his pieces listed so I assume they will eventually be published by CE? Also, does anyone know if more grades will eventually be added?

[Greg Adams]

How can one get a copy of the syllabus?

[Mike Moss]

You can order it from VCM publications and they'll send it to you free of charge: http://www.vcmpublications.co.uk/shop/270-victoria-college-banjo-sy...

[Mike Moss]

Not over chuffed about there being not one but two classical music pieces in the Grade 4 exam list... just my opinion though. The Jeffy arrangement of the Scarlatti piece is OK, but "Jesu, joy of man's desire" is so trite and overdone on the banjo that I can't bear to think about it.

[Steve Harrison]

What happened to Morley and Grimshaw?... classical music on a banjo isn't what it's all about..surely there is enough good quality music written for banjo that they could use other than pieces by Bach and Scarlatti.

[Mike Moss]

I agree. Classic banjo really should not be about classical music or at least it should be kept to a minimum. It can be a fun as a novelty but I just can't stand Bach on the banjo.

In Grade 4 there are 2 Morley (The Jovial Huntsman and Rose Leaves) and 2 Grimshaw pieces (The Banshee and Chop Suey), +1 Parke Hunter piece, Ballad in Eb (mistakenly credited as Bradbury), one rag (Whistlin' Rufus), the two abovementioned classical pieces (Gavotta and Jesu) and Greensleeves (arr. Bradbury), + 6 modern pieces by Alan Middleton, Liz Sharma and Elias Sibley, presumably written for the examinations so I can't comment on those. The Jovial Huntsman also seems a bit easy for Grade 4. It's basically D'ye ken John Peel with some filling. Both "Chop Suey" and "The Banshee" are more technically demanding. Not crazy about Rose Leaves but it's a matter of taste.

Incidentally, Whistlin' Rufus is the only rag in the entire syllabus! Whatever happened to "Ragtime banjo"? Only one rag and four classical pieces (Carnival of Venice, Bach Gavotte, Scarlatti Gavotte, Jesu) throughout the entire syllabus feels a little unbalanced. There are plenty of banjo rags they could have included as intermediate pieces... Palladium Rag or Keynotes Rag by Joe Morley, for instance. Also, a simple arrangement of Calliope Rag or The Smiler would probably be suitable for an intermediate level, wouldn't it?

[David Wade]

Mike, Clifford Essex had a system of grade exams A, B & C way back in 20's, possibly before - the earliest certificate I've seen is 1927 but I think they had been going for sometime before then. This is why if you look at the list of CE solos they are marked A, B or C.

The Federation has been the prime mover in the VCM grades but I see that they have sent you the "old" version of the syllabus despite my recent discusion with them. I'll post the correct list for Grade 4 when I get chance.

 

[Richard William Ineson]

I can solve all of these problems for everyone very easily. Come and stay with me for a week, bring your banjo, take me out to the Black Horse at lunch time and the Duke of York in the evening, in between times treat me to a meal here and there. Play the banjo to me, as and when you feel like it; at the end of the week, I will tell you whether or not you can play the banjo. No need for any syllabus, no need for endless hours learning scales that you will never play, other than in an examination situation, and I will also, for a small fee, if you so require, supply you with a certificate stating that you can, or cannot, play the banjo. This certificate will be valid in all countries. 

[thereallyniceman]

ABRSM is the exam board of the Royal Schools of Music, delivering over 650,000 exams and assessments every year in 93 countries. ABRSM is committed to supporting high-quality music-making, learning and development throughout the world, and to producing the best possible resources for music teachers and students.

And what finer banjo diploma could you get than the DipABRSM  

   (Dipsomaniac, Alcoholic Beverages, of the Richard’s School of Music)

 

Sign me up Richard.

p.s. Do I need to bring my banjo, or just some money?

[Mike Moss]

I can only speak highly of my experience in the ABRSM. Not only did I not need to play any scales, my DipABRSM(Hons.) has opened the gates of success for me. After my training with Prof. Ineson, I started getting paid handsomely not to play my banjo. I was also pleased to learn that the diploma is also valid in Somalia, where I have applied for a position as chief kazoo player to a local pirate king.

[marc dalmasso]

i seriously think to buy a certificate or something like that  to become a better banjo player .; may be this ........,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMG-SILVER-MEDAL-TURNER-SHIELD-ASTON-BANJ...

[carrie horgan]

Hello there, I also received the banjo syllabus today.  I am a newbie to classic banjo and thought the syllabus might give me some ideas of where to start in terms of learning.  (I am from the 'Scruggs' 3finger school of playing but recently started listening to Rob MacKillop and Jason Smith - which has led me here to this beautifully designed site!).  It seems you need to purchase the sheet scores individually - it's a shame you can't just purchase an entire set of 'grade one' for a reasonable price.  Anyway, in the meantime I have ordered the Grimshaw 'How to Excel on the Banjo' which should arrive any day now...

[Mike Moss]

Hi Carrie,

you should be able to find many of the pieces in the syllabus in the Music Library on this site and in the tutor books hosted on Hal Allert's site, http://www.classicbanjo.com/tutor.php downloadable free of charge.

Oh, and welcome aboard!